Good morning, Philadelphia.

Eight new pop-up businesses (mostly homegrown) will open on the 900 block of Market East by early May ahead of summer events and the FIFA World Cup, while demolition on the 1000 block is paused to avoid disruptions; a city grant funds beautification with trees, murals, and refreshed transit shelters.

Drivers on Federal Street in South Philly face risks from a pothole that has persisted for nearly a year near 17th Street—endangering vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians.

Neighbors have repeatedly filed 311 requests but say the hazard remains unrepaired.

Officials halted Market-Frankford Line and trolley tunnel service Wednesday afternoon near City Hall when a transformer sparked a fire; firefighters had the incident under control by 3:17 p.m., trolley service resumed, and parts of the subway remain suspended & restoration is underway.

Philadelphia venues will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with family-friendly events this weekend; a parade party on Sunday, March 15 at Headhouse Square Plaza offers pop-up bars, food, and live music, while Bridget Foy’s and Craft Hall extend festivities with themed menus and kid-friendly activities (events continue through March 29).

Philly Bike Expo is celebrating cycling culture with custom-built bicycles, seminars, and group rides at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The event will be held on March 14 and 15 — featuring interactive exhibits and activities for all ages, including a kids’ riding area.

The Board of Education will hold a town hall at Constance E.

Clayton Education Center at 4 p.m. today to gather public feedback on a proposal to close 18 schools as part of a facilities master plan, and a final vote is set for March 26.

SEPTA will begin its redesigned bus network this fall by cutting routes from 124 to 106 so buses run more frequently.

The first phase in August will add the 72 on Cheltenham Avenue & the 76 from Crescentville to Center City.

Dennis Massimo’s blood test from 2016 later revealed Lynch syndrome and led to a colon cancer diagnosis that required surgery + treatment; he now advocates for the new King Center for Lynch Syndrome at Penn Medicine to expand patient care, research, and outreach.

Aetna settled for over $117 million to resolve claims that it used false patient data to boost its Medicare Advantage payouts—officials reported more than $106 million and an additional $11.5 million in overpayments for inaccurate obesity diagnoses.

The company says the settlement avoids litigation rather than admitting wrongdoing.

Matt Cord, the voice of the Sixers for 28 years, said on Wednesday that he will retire at the end of the season.

His clear calls at over 1,000 games have marked a cherished era for local sports fans.

On Tuesday night at Subaru Park, Philadelphia Union lost 1-0 to Club América in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16.

Coach Bradley Carnell rotated his squad and praised new left back Philippe Ndinga (who played 80 minutes) as the team sought more scoring chances.